Transnational & Transregional Projects - Joint projects within the UK and beyond

LEADER+ Transnational Watersports Project

During 2004, contact was established between North West Devon LEADER+ and other LEADER+ organisations around Europe to explore the potential for transnational projects. A general theme of "Water Sports" emerged and links were strengthened between LEADER+ offices in North West Ireland and North West France. Each of the three regions are situated on the Atlantic coast and all receive good waves. This prompted project coordinators to begin looking at surfing.

With the tremendous growth in the sport over the last decade, it was considered prudent to examine certain aspects of surfing which would enable sharing of best practice and experience. It was also considered an opportunity to assess the development of surf related issues in the three areas, and work together to find solutions to some of the problems that affect the coast today. Firm working links would also be established between different areas of Europe which could potentially enhance social and economic advancement in the surf sector.

Four themes were agreed upon to develop further. These were: Marine Environment, Beach and Sea Safety, Youth Surfer Development and Cooperative Marketing of the surf industry (especially in the low season).

Partners in the early stages of the project development were: James Short (SB Surf School), Glyn Brackenbury (Skern Lodge), Glenn Harris (Surfed Out Surf Shop), Mike Peet (Atlantic Surfboards), Sarah Whiteley (Walking on Waves Surf School), Saunton Saunds Surf Life Saving Club, Vaughn Lawson (Surfguard UK), Andy Bell (Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service), Steve Croad (West Coast Soul Surf Shop) and Mishka Lossky (North Devon Marketing Bureau).

After broad consultation across North Devon, it became apparent that there is already much going on relating to these themes, with individuals, clubs, schools or businesses all working to address common issues. LEADER+ do not want to duplicate, but complement these efforts, and have attempted to work with the surf community, tailoring the projects to address real needs.

Click on the links below to read about the various projects:

Youth Surfer Development Project
Beach and Sea Safety
Marketing
Marine Environment